best current production nut files??

[texwest]

I've read a bunch of old threads about nut files. lots of good info but some of the threads are old.

I need to re-nut my PRS and I want a rounded bottom on the nut slots so the tremolo will stay in tune better.

Question #1
I'm wondering what some of you guys know about nut files available right now. I want high quality files that leave a very nice rounded bottom to the nut slot.

I've looked at LMII, stew mac and warmoth.

Question #2
What size files do I need for 9-42 guage strings, considering that I want to have the slots wide enough so the strings won't bind with tremolo use?

Thanks ahead of time. Wes

[Iceman6937]

After reading all the reviews I could, I went with the Stew Mac individual nut files:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...ing_Files.html

Consistent good reviews. I went with Dan Erlewine's advice and picked up a basic set of 10, 16, 24 and 35. They are well made and so far do a good very job of dressing a nut.

[RAILhead]

I also highly recommend StewMac's hardware. Been using it for years, and I have no complaints!

[bunny]

UO-Chikyu (Hiroshima Files) - anyone tried these?

[texwest]

Thanks for your comments. I'm also interested in those Hiroshima files. I found some comments about these and other files on the Tele bulletin board. Are the UO-Chikyu (Hiroshima Files) possibly the same as the warmoth files??

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by bunny

UO-Chikyu (Hiroshima Files) - anyone tried these?

I like this manufacturer, but I use the set of 3 dual sided files with the color coded handles. And I must say I normally use 11-49 strings, and 12-52s on my 24.75 scale guitars.

Your Allparts dealer can get these for you.

[levelfrets]

I use the Japanese ones from Allparts. They are the cheapest if you are a dealer.

[blong]

Most of the above will do. I use the StweMac files and they are solid.

Bob

[texwest]

I think I'm going to go for the hiroshima files. I'm mostly going to set up electrics with 9-42 or 1o-46 strings.

Which one of these file sets do you think would be best?
Interesting the file sizes are exactly like the string sizes mostly. I am thinking that I would want files slightly bigger than the string gauges and therefore the blues/jazz set would be best for 9-42 or 10-46. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

ELECTRIC FILE SETS
light-gauge: 0.009 0.011 0.016 0.024 0.032 0.042
regular-light-gauge: 0.010 0.013 0.017 0.026 0.036 0.046
blues/jazz: 0.011 0.013 0.017 0.028 0.036 0.048

[Wag]

I recently wrangled with this same dilemma...

I ended up buying the StewMac files. I got them in the mail today. There may be cheaper files out there, but you just can't go wrong with the quality or customer service that StewMac provides.

9's and 10's are also my preferred gauges so I bought the following size files:

.010
.013
.016
.024
.032
.042

Keep in mind that a smaller file can always be used to make a wider notch. For example, I can use the .042 file to make a .046 notch.

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by texwest

Interesting the file sizes are exactly like the string sizes mostly. I am thinking that I would want files slightly bigger than the string gauges and therefore the blues/jazz set would be best for 9-42 or 10-46. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

You would be correct in your assumption...I always go .002 to .003 larger than the string.

[RAILhead]

Originally Posted by texwest

Interesting the file sizes are exactly like the string sizes mostly. I am thinking that I would want files slightly bigger than the string gauges and therefore the blues/jazz set would be best for 9-42 or 10-46. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Part of making a good nut is to have a smooth surface in the slot. To do this, I take the nut file and wrap it in sandpaper (800-1000). This makes the file width:

sandpaper | file width | sandpaper

I find this to be just enough extra to accommodate.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by texwest

I am thinking that I would want files slightly bigger than the string gauges and therefore the blues/jazz set would be best for 9-42 or 10-46. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

I agree with Tony. I would rather the slot is a few thousandths too wide that have a slot that accommodates one D string but the D string in the second set is a wee bit bigger and it binds up. No harm I know of if the slot is slightly overwidth.

[BarkingTree]

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho....php?t=1098313

[texwest]

I went with this set, blues/jazz: 0.011 0.013 0.017 0.028 0.036 0.048, and will receive it soon. There seems to be a fair amount of interest in this, so I'll report back about how I like them.